Abstract
ABSTRACTThe study aimed to determine the effect of assisted reproductive technologies on cow productivity. The study was conducted with organized cattle farmers under communal and emerging farming systems from three provinces, namely; Limpopo, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal. Cow parameters evaluated were breed type, body frame size, parity, age, body condition score and lactation status. An ovsynch protocol was used during the oestrous synchronization process. All experimental cows were artificially inseminated with frozen-thawed Nguni semen. The study recorded a calving rate of 48%. The dominant cattle breed types were the Bonsmara, Brahman and Nguni. Chi-Square Test of Independence were computed between calving rate and individual factors. The data were further modelled using logistic regression model for SAS, modelling the probability for success. Calving rate was not independent of provinces, districts and body condition score (P < 0.05). Cows in Mpumalanga had more chances to calve than those in Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal. Nguni cattle breed had more chances to calve down than Brahman (P = 0.815), but less chances than Bonsmara cattle breed (P = 1.630). It is recommended for rural farmers to farm with small framed animals because of their higher chances to calve down compared to other cattle breed.
Highlights
In South Africa, rural cattle production comprises about 40% of the national herd (DAFF 2017; Molefi et al 2017)
Cattle farming is popular in rural areas because of the multiple benefits that cattle provide to the households which include the provision of meat, milk, skin, draught power, fertiliser, payment of lobola and cash generation through sales (Dreyer et al 1999; Randela 2003; Delali et al 2006)
The study demonstrated that synchronization and artificial insemination with frozen-thawed sperm can be applied under communal and emerging farming systems in South Africa with success
Summary
In South Africa, rural cattle production comprises about 40% of the national herd (DAFF 2017; Molefi et al 2017). Unreliable rainfall, water shortages and periodic droughts influence the majority of rural households to depend on livestock farming for their survival (Musemwa et al 2007; Mapiye et al 2011; Stroebel et al 2011). Cattle production efficiency in the communal and emerging farming areas of South Africa is low as a result of low cow reproductive efficiency, amongst other factors (Mapekula et al 2009). Many authors have attributed the low reproductive efficiency or calving rate in communal areas of South Africa to poor management, inadequate nutritional programmes, diseases causing pregnancy loss and a shortage of good quality breeding bulls, in addition to other socio-economic challenges (Mokantla et al 2004; Parkinson 2004; Ndebele et al 2007). Cows are characterized by long inter-calving periods of nearly 24 months or even more (Ainslie et al 2002; Mokantla et al 2004; Tada et al 2013)
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